NGPDA to clear encroachments along beaches

31 Aug 201705:33am IST

31 Aug 201705:33am IST

PANJIM: In a bid to facilitate the smooth movement of tourists in the coastal areas, the North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA) has decided to clear all encroachments in the beach belts before the tourism season begins in October.

Team Herald

PANJIM: In a bid to facilitate the smooth movement of tourists in the coastal areas, the North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA) has decided to clear all encroachments in the beach belts before the tourism season begins in October.

During a recent meeting, NGPDA resolved to commence a special drive to clear the encroachments along the main roads, footpaths, parking lots and on the beaches from next week. The Authority has also decided to tow away all vehicles parked in no parking areas or those lying unused for years, to bring in traffic discipline in the coastal belts.

Speaking to Herald, NGPDA chairman Michael Lobo said the Authority is determined to demolish all the encroachment in the beach areas. “Temporary or permanent structures, which have come up along the main roads, footpaths, promenade, and beaches and also in designated parking spaces illegally, will be removed,” he said.

Lobo said a special drive to clear the encroachment would be initiated from the next week. “We want to get rid of these illegal encroachers before the new tourism season starts,” the Calangute MLA said.

He, however, raised apprehension that in absence of ownership right.

, the Authority finds itself helpless to serve notices to the owner, seeking their say. “We had undertaken a similar drive in the past but then people went to Court stating that NGPDA denied them natural justice, that they were not heard before demolishing their structures,” he said.

“The fact is, being illegal, no one comes on record to ascertain their rights over the structure and hence, we are not in position to serve the notices,” the chairman said.

NGPDA on Wednesday will also invite expressions of interest from private players to tow away all vehicles are parked in no parking zone, or parked in haphazard manner causing nuisance. Vehicles, which have been dumped for years, will also be lifted. “The move is basically to bring in traffic discipline in the coastal areas,” Lobo said.